Mirror, Mirror (Book 2)

Chapter 5: Recruiting Amelia

After finishing his science homework, Oliver shoves his books in his backpack and takes out his gray homework folder.

As he opened it, the folder brought him to the permission slip Ms. Fern handed to the class earlier.

On the top of the yellow paper were thin, dark letters explaining the field trip's whereabouts and a list of items he needs, but on the bottom was a straight, black line where the parent needs to sign.

He thought about asking Amelia to sign the slip for him, only to realize that the vampire was busy in the shower.

"Hey, Mom!" Oliver cried out.

Caitlin's footsteps staggered on top of the steps.

"Yeah?"

"I have a field trip in two weeks, can you sign my permission slip?"

"Sure, where's the pen?"

Oliver reaches into his bag again and handed her the black writing utensil.

"So, what's the field trip about?" she asked.

"It's a ten-day journey to Camp Esterville-"

"What?" Caitlin squint at her son's face, just to see if he was lying.

"Mom, we're going to Camp Esterville for ten days," he repeated, but he was again interrupted by his mother's stares.

"Do you know how expensive that place is?" she interrupted sharply.

Begrudgingly, Oliver nodded.

Caitlin twists her face, trying to adjust the shocking news.

She knows for a fact that Camp Esterville had everything: the huge lake, woods, cabins, cafeteria food, break room, and campfires, but they all cost at least fifty dollars.

"Of all the places in the world, why Camp Estherville?" Caitlin sighed. "Why don't you go to any of the museums?"

"Because we know everything about Esterville." Oliver moaned.

"But museums are less expensive," Caitlin says, as a matter of fact.

"And what's the point in taking your class to a campsite? Does it involve History?" 

"In high school, you never question a teacher's motive," Oliver stated, with a casual shrug.

"But History or not, will you please sign the permission slip?"

Ms. Harper groans as she picks up her pen.

"Alright, you win."

After reading the paragraph, Caitlin wrote her signature on the straight, black line and hands it over to Oliver.

"Here you go," Caitlin grumbled. "As soon as I get to the bank, I'll give you the money. Will that be fair?"

Oliver nodded.

"Thanks, Mom," he says cheerfully.

"As I go to the bank, you make sure you get everything ready for your trip."

"Yes, Mom." Oliver smiles.

Caitlin sighs at this until she listens to the sound of the water running in the bathroom.

"Oliver, did you forget to turn off the sink?"

"No—he suddenly thought about Amelia in the shower—I mean, yes."

"Turn it off this instant," she instructed. "The last thing I need is the water bill coming in the mail."

"Yes, Mom." Oliver blushed.